Augusta: Jazz Janewattananond had a solid debut at the Masters, shooting a three-under-par 69 in the first round to stay four strokes off the lead on Thursday.
The Thai made six birdies including four over his closing holes at Augusta National.
It was his best first round score in his sixth major appearance.
His tied 14th result at the 2019 PGA Championship remains his career best major finish to date.
Taking advantage of soft conditions due to a morning thunderstorm, Jazz rolled in birdies on holes 2, 13, 15, 16 and 18 but dropped bogeys on 11 and 12 to share ninth place with Spain's Jon Rahm, American Tony Finau and England's Matt Wallace.
Paul Casey also took full advantage of a three-hour storm delay, matching the lowest major round of his career with a seven-under 65 to seize the lead.
The Englishman awoke to heavy showers and was happy to wait before setting out on rain-soaked Augusta National.
"I was not relishing the challenge ahead waking up in the rain this morning," Casey said. "That was a very good break I capitalised on because it was a glorious day for golf, really, after that."
A total of 44 players still had to finish their first round due to darkness because of the delay.
Casey is chasing his first major title at age 43 but had his best major finish, a runner-up spot, in August at the PGA Championship.
Webb Simpson, the 2012 US Open champion, fired a 67 to share second with fellow American Xander Schauffele.
Japan's Hideki Matsuyama closed with back-to-back birdies for 68 and share fourth with defending champion Tiger Woods, England's Lee Westwood, South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen and American Patrick Reed.
Woods showed the form to threaten for a 16th major title.
He shared fourth in the clubhouse on 68. "I did everything well today," Woods said.
US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau never approached the power-hitting success he enjoyed in overwhelming Winged Foot for his first major victory, closing with back-to-back birdies to settle for 70.
"Fortunate enough to be two-under," DeChambeau said.
"Clearly today I didn't have my best stuff and I was still able to shoot under par."
Accuracy issues prevented DeChambeau from dominating, a double-bogey at the par-5 13th followed by birdies at 15 and 16. afp/bangkok post